I used beer in my last 2 batches. Gordon's Finest Scotch the first time and Brigand the second time. They're both very different, but they're both also mellow in the hops and you can taste the alcohol in both.

The beer in the pancakes was sort of an accident. I would usually use milk (soy milk, actually), but I ran out and didn't want to use water. Of course! Beer! It works great!